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get on to

B1 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To call or message someone about something, or to start talking about a new topic.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To contact someone, usually to deal with a problem or ask for something.

"I'll get on to the electrician first thing tomorrow morning about the wiring problem."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral

To begin discussing or dealing with a new topic or task.

"After the break, we'll get on to the second item on the agenda."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal

To realise or discover what someone is doing, often something secret or wrong.

"The supervisor got on to the fact that several employees were leaving early."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very common in British English. In the 'contact' sense, often used in business or official contexts ('I'll get on to the supplier today'). In the 'topic' sense, used when transitioning in conversation or meetings.

Commonly used with

supplier council topic matter police issue question

Forms

Base
get on to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gets on to
he/she/it
Past simple
got on to
yesterday
Past participle
got/gotten on to
have + pp
-ing form
getting on to
continuous

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Synonyms

contact reach out to move on to address get in touch with turn to

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